The 2017 edition of Coke Studio Africa will feature American multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and dancer Jason Derulo.
Derulo is billed to collaborate with a host of talented acts from Africa to create original music that is a fusion of the abundant musical flavors and influences available on the continent.
Currently in Kenya, Derulo was unveiled to the media at a Coke Studio Africa press conference which held on June 12th at the Stanley Hotel in Nairobi, according to Capital FM.
Organizers say the 2017 edition of Coke Studio Africa is a special one with the theme “The Global Fusion Edition.” All of the music will be performed and recorded live alongside Coke Studio’s highly talented house band.
In addition to Derulo, this year’s edition will feature artists, such as Dela (Kenya), Rayvanny (Tanzania), Bebe Cool (Uganda), Mr. Bow (Mozambique), Falz (Nigeria), Joey B (Ghana), Betty G (Ethiopia), Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe), Shekhinah (South Africa), Locko (Cameroon), and Denise (Madagascar).
The artists will be working alongside talented producers DJ Maphorisa (South Africa) and Masterkraft (Nigeria).
Some of the artists who were featured in the 2016 edition of Coke Studio Africa. Photo credit: Ghafla
At his unveiling, Derulo told reporters, “Coke Studio Africa has been an all-round inspiring and education experience, from recording original material to the covers. It’s really exciting to be here at this time when African music is taking over the world and I feel like I have been welcomed so well. Thank you to everyone who has helped made this process so amazing and comfortable – I really feel like I am home.
“The creative and music process has been very cool. I think a lot of people don’t really know about the depth of African music and how it varies from country in country here in Africa, and it’s been really cool for me to dive in to the sounds of different artists from different countries here,” Derulo said.
The first edition of Coke Studio Africa was held in 2014, with Haitian-American singer Wyclef Jean featured as the international artist.
The 2015 edition saw ‘So Sick’ singer Ne-Yo collaborating with a host of African stars. And in 2016, Grammy award-winning R&B superstar Trey Songz lit up the stage with his electrifying performances.
The new season will premiere in September in different regions and broadcast in more than 30 countries across Africa.
